Role-Playing

Like Brad, I have issues with Sega Smash Pack Volume 1. There are some true standouts in Streets Of Rage 2, Shining Force, Sonic The Hedgehog, and Virtua Cop 2 (even without light-gun support); all are shining examples of the Sega at its best in the pre-PlayStation age. The rest, however, are either throwaways like Sega Swirl and Wrestle War or games that do not stand the test of time like Phantasy Star II and Altered Beast. This has always been a sore spot of mine with these compilation releases.

Game Description:If you’re just not getting enough variety in your video game diet, look no further than the all-inclusive Sega Smash Pack Volume 1. You’ll get immediate access to a dozen classic games, including: Golden Axe, Altered Beast, Columns, Sonic the Hedgehog, Revenge of Shinobi, Streets of Rage 2, Shining Force, Wrestle War, Vectorman and Phantasy Star II. The two most modern inclusions are the Dreamcast version of Virtua Cop 2 (previously available only in Japan) and Sega Swirl.

Now, in the twilight years of the Nintendo 64, we can only hope that the upcoming GameCube will not travel down the same racing-and-platformer-heavy path its predecessor has. However, in a strange turn of events, the Nintendo 64 has been graced with a supremely excellent RPG only a few mere months before it receives its last rites.

While I haven't been starving for RPGs, I agree with all of Brad's major points. Paper Mario is a very good RPG that plays towards Nintendo's primary strength—creating charming game experiences with its evergreen characters. Intelligent Systems succeeds in designing and implementing a witty game that is nearly impossible to dislike. The game is filled with charming characters, bumbling enemies, and the sort of odd-ball situations that only Mario would get himself into.

Game Description: Paper Mario has a 2D look in a 3D game world—an aesthetic designed to make players feel as if they've entered an animated pop-up book. A stationary camera helps reinforce this storybook illusion. The game's title is taken from the paper-thin characters inhabiting the Mushroom Kingdom. For example, when Mario is sleeping, he flips and flutters through the air like a leaf falling from a tree. Paper Mario is the sequel to the classic Super NES role-playing game Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Like the original, it contains a mix of turn-based battles and intricate puzzles, as well as timed attacks. Players time their attacks by moving the D-pad and pressing the A button at exactly the right moment to inflict maximum damage. This seasons Paper Mario with a little action/adventure flavor. Classic characters, such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Toad, are joined by the likes of Goombario and Kammy Koopa.

PSO is videogame with grand ambitions of uniting game players on global scale over the Internet for the purpose of entertainment. This isn't a new concept since the Internet was commercialized, but it never became a reality for a number of reasons.

Game Description:The realm of Phantasy Star Online has increased. Phantasy Star Online, Version 2 includes all the original content from Phantasy Star Online, but expands the world with more levels, more features, and more evil to combat. You can import your existing character or create a new one as you strive to reach level 200 and master the game's new ultimate difficulty setting. Players from around the globe can now compete in Battle Mode as they face each other in deathmatch-style combat. Play Lobby Ball with up to 12 players while you chat and get a game going. Discover new and more powerful monsters, unearth rare items, and experience the passing of time as day turns into night in this persistent online world. Phantasy Star Online, Version 2 continues the evolution of the original revolutionary gaming experience.

Chi may think that Phantasy Star Online is the beginning of a technology which will uplift and unite the planet into a happy and harmonious future, but I happen to be a bigger fan of Blade Runner than 2001. Personally, I found that PSO was the perfect technology to usher in a new age of missed potential and overrated boredom, rather than something which broke down global barriers and enlightened me.

Code of Conduct

Comments are subject to approval/deletion based on the following criteria:
1) Treat all users with respect.
2) Post with an open-mind.
3) Do not insult and/or harass users.
4) Do not incite flame wars.
5) Do not troll and/or feed the trolls.
6) No excessive whining and/or complaining.